We’re all feeling the pinch right now in very challenging times. Inflation is really socking it to us; the price of everything is going up, not to mention technician pay. And our labor rate isn’t budging. Oh, and then there’s COVID, angry customers, photo estimating, parts shortages, political turmoil, insurer staff reductions …. Did I leave anything out?
Steve Wurtz of Blue Ash Auto Body in Cincinnati recently reached out to me to express his frustration — and I think a lot of us are feeling the same way. Ten years ago, the “prevailing labor rate” in his area was $48 per hour, and paint and materials was $28 per hour. He says his refinish costs have doubled in those 10 years and allied costs have gone up 65%, yet the body rate is only $50 now and paint and materials (P&M) are $32.
“Do you want to know why we’re losing money on everything? It’s because we’ve allowed the insurance industry to dominate us!” says Wurtz. “We all have carriers who are impossible to deal with, and in my opinion, we need to stop doing repairs for those unrealistic carriers. And, while we’re busier than ever, let the shops that want to work for nothing have all the low-paying work.”
Wurtz suggests that shops not take out their frustrations on local appraisers or adjusters but rather write to the heads of claims for all insurance companies in their states to demand just compensation.
“If we don’t take a stand now, we will never be able to correct these injustices,” Wurtz concludes. “The timing is now for our perfect storm!”
